Integrating Software Architecture Evaluation in a DoD System Acquisition

These briefing charts demonstrate the integration of software architecture evaluation into a Department of Defense (DoD) system acquisition using the Common Link Integration Processing (CLIP) Program as an example. The presentation outline is as follows: CLIP Program Background, CLIP System and Software Concept, CLIP Challenges, Role of Architecture in RFP/contract, Current Acquisition Status, Proactive Application of Architecture Tradeoff and Analysis Method (Trademark) (ATAM (Trademark)) and Quality Attribute Workshop (Trademark) (QAW (Trademark)) to Reduce Software Acquisition Risk, and Impact of Work. The Common Link Integration Processing (CLIP) Program is a cooperative effort between the Air Force and Navy. CLIP integrates Tactical Data Links (TDLs) across platforms with a TDL requirement; provides message processing, gateway functionality, and a common interface; and enables the transition of new and legacy platforms to a Network Centric Warfare (NCW) environment. The demonstration reveals that QAW- and ATAM-based evaluations have been successfully integrated into an RFP/contract for a major DoD acquisition. The approach and RFP/contract language were approved by an independent assessment team and the CLIP contracting officer. Based on the CLIP experience, the authors have developed Guidance for Reducing Software Acquisition Risk through Architecture Evaluation. This guidance is available to DoD programs that want to promote architecture-centric development and proactively perform software architecture evaluation in their system acquisition. The architecture evaluation approach and corresponding contract language and software deliverables will be described in a set of SEI Technical Notes.